Chapter 97 I Want to Sleep Together

Chapter 97 I Want to Sleep Together

Because of the fear of losing him, she had an impulse to get closer to Pei Wu and cherish every minute of their time together, instead of wasting time arguing with him.

She wanted to hold onto Pei Wu, so she kissed him.

Pei Wu did not dodge. He never dodges Jiang Ru. He will listen to whatever Jiang Ru asks of him and will never refuse.

The touch was very soft. Pei Wu remained in a squatting position, while Jiang Ru sat down, only able to kiss him by lowering her head slightly. Pei Wu raised his head, and the moment Jiang Ru leaned in, his eyes widened suddenly.

His eyes were fixed on Jiang Ru. He could see her trembling eyelashes and delicate nose. Her lips were shaking with nervousness. Because she had applied rouge, a rich fragrance lingered around Pei Wu the moment she leaned closer.

Jiang Ru closed her eyes, and her action reminded Pei Wu that he should also close his eyes, but he didn't want to; he wanted to look at Jiang Ru.

He watched Jiang Ru's flushed cheeks, her uneasy lips, and her clenched hands, gripping her own skirt so tightly that her fingers turned white.

The touch on his lips was like an electric shock, leaving Pei Wu's mind blank, forgetting all reactions, and he just stared blankly at Jiang Ru as she kissed him.

It was their first kiss, and Jiang Ru's kiss was incredibly awkward, just like a little animal's, strangely cute. Having never kissed before, she only knew how to rub against Pei Wu's lips, teasing him cautiously yet boldly.

Pei Wu's description of Jiang Ru was biased, because he himself was not much better than Jiang Ru, and his reaction was much worse than Jiang Ru's. He just stood there and let Jiang Ru do whatever she wanted.

He wouldn't switch from defense to offense, nor would he take the initiative to attack; he would simply raise his head and let Jiang Ru kiss him.

His fingers landed on Jiang Ru's skirt, touching the soft texture of the gauze. Jiang Ru smelled wonderful; she was permeated with fragrance from head to toe. Pei Wu's nose was filled with Jiang Ru's scent, mixed with the fragrance of rouge, the scent of catalpa leaves in her hair, and the spices that Jiang Ru always carried. The mixed fragrance made Pei Wu dizzy and unable to react.

Jiang Ru was flustered and uneasy. In a moment of impulse, she kissed Pei Wu, but then she felt she couldn't just kiss him once. So she pressed her lips to Pei Wu's, forgetting what she was going to do next.

Pei Wu's aura was always very faint, like a pine tree or the moon, gentle and cool. Jiang Ru forgot to breathe, as if she was enveloped by Pei Wu.

So Pei Wu's lips were this soft too; this was Jiang Ru's only remaining thought.

Her face flushed red, and her eyelashes trembled as she opened her eyes, only to find that Pei Wu had been staring at her intently. Although there was nothing else in Pei Wu's eyes, it was as if he wanted to devour her.

Jiang Ru felt shy and annoyed by his gaze, and pursed her lips, saying, "Why are you looking at me like that? Don't you know you should close your eyes?"

Pei Wu probably didn't realize or even think about it; he readily admitted his mistake: "I'm sorry."

With that, he finally closed his eyes.

"Who closes their eyes right after a kiss?" Jiang Ru said indignantly. "What good will it do to close your eyes now?"

Pei Wu could only open his eyes and stare blankly at Jiang Ru, as if he really didn't understand.

After all, they had just kissed, so Jiang Ru couldn't get angry with him again. She muttered something and let it go. However, Pei Wu seemed to have no idea how to restrain himself. He kept staring at her with a direct gaze, as if he wanted to completely etch her into his heart.

One sat, the other squatted, each lost in their own thoughts. Jiang Ru's face was as red as a peach blossom, already adorned with rouge, and now it was even redder. It was her first time taking the initiative, and both of them were quite awkward, but this kiss was enough to make Jiang Ru's heart flutter for a long time.

The hem of her skirt tangled with Pei Wu's. As the carriage traveled along a gravel road, the interior jolted a little. Fearing he might fall, Jiang Ru quickly grabbed Pei Wu's sleeve.

She didn't speak, but just pulled in her own direction, but Pei Wu didn't sit up in her direction. He said, "It's not sorted out yet."

There were too many weeds, and Jiang Ru's skirt had only been half-tied up. Pei Wu calmed himself down and picked up Jiang Ru's skirt again.

He was very focused, as if the kiss had no effect on him at all. His hands moved slowly, but there wasn't even the slightest tremor.

Jiang Ru, however, was different. She was both shy and blushing, her heart was still pounding, and her whole body was flushed from the heat. Pei Wu, on the other hand, seemed completely oblivious to the kiss, his expression calm and composed.

Jiang Ru nudged his arm, and he looked up at her with a questioning gaze: "What's wrong?"

Jiang Ru was never one to argue internally; she asked whatever she wanted to ask: "I just kissed you, don't you have anything to say?"

Pei Wu was unaware that he was going to be tested, so he answered truthfully, "I like it."

Pei Wu wasn't completely clueless; the feeling of a kiss was wonderful, but nothing could compare to his love for Jiang Ru. So when he said he liked her, he meant he liked Jiang Ru's kisses, but even more so, he liked Jiang Ru herself.

He didn't dare say he wanted to kiss her again, after all, he and Jiang Ru hadn't officially started dating. Pei Wu was puzzled; Jiang Ru hadn't forgiven him yet, so why would she kiss him?

Only lovers would do such a thing. He and Jiang Ru are not lovers right now, but this is what Jiang Ru does, and Pei Wu will not object.

Thinking of this, Pei Wu felt a little depressed. He had failed to coax Jiang Ru, which was why they could only kiss like this in such an ambiguous situation. It was all his fault.

If he and Jiang Ru got together, could he tell Jiang Ru that he still wanted to kiss her?

No one who has just kissed someone would show such an annoyed expression, but Pei Wu was one of them. He didn't hide his emotions in front of Jiang Ru, who immediately kicked him in dissatisfaction: "What's with that look? Regret it?"

Jiang Ru knew that Pei Wu was not a casual person when it came to relationships. Even if he showed such an expression, it wouldn't be because of the kiss itself; he must be thinking about something else.

Jiang Ru guessed that Pei Wu was probably thinking about this and that again, such as that kissing is not allowed before marriage, as that would be crossing the line, or that they could kiss even though they were not together.

Pei Wu quickly shook his head and said, "I don't regret it."

Why is that?

Pei Wu said, "We're not together yet."

Jiang Ru told Pei Wu that they should be "together," and that he should ask her for her consent before they could be considered together. However, Pei Wu didn't ask. He only expressed his doubts about their kissing: "Tell me, you can't do this if you're not together."

As expected, Jiang Ru guessed correctly.

Pei Wu's thoughts were easy to guess, and Jiang Ru reminded him, "Then ask again."

Pei Wu then asked, "Would you like to be with me?"

As he spoke, Jiang Ru pursed her lips, the corners of her lips involuntarily curving upwards. Ever since she opened up to Pei Wu, even if Pei Wu didn't say anything, just standing there, Jiang Ru would feel a sweet, bubbling sensation in her heart, as if she were surrounded by a honey pot, always feeling sweet and content.

As soon as Pei Wu finished asking the question, Jiang Ru immediately raised the corners of her lips, her smile so bright it was dazzling, like a gentle breeze caressing Pei Wu's face: "I agree."

For Pei Wu, such a sudden surprise was more likely to make him wary. Moreover, Jiang Ru's agreement was so sudden that Pei Wu dared not celebrate too quickly, for fear that something unexpected might happen.

He asked, "Why did you say you haven't forgiven me yet?"

Jiang Ru had said she wouldn't date him until she forgave him, and Pei Wu remembered it clearly. He even thought it would take him a long time to do so. However, after visiting the Wu family, Jiang Ru actually changed her mind.

At this moment, Pei Wu was incredibly foolish. He could have easily skipped the topic and started dating Jiang Ru without having to go to great lengths to coax her. But he didn't. He stuck to his principles and remembered what Jiang Ru had said.

Jiang Ru found him more and more adorable. She liked his earnestness and persistence. Jiang Ru leaned down slightly and said, "I've already kissed you, so of course it means I've forgiven you."

Pei Wu had no idea what he had done to make Jiang Ru suddenly forgive him. He should have been secretly pleased, but he looked at Jiang Ru again and said, "I have done many wrong things, and it is my good fortune that you can forgive me so generously."

This matter was handled so lightly. Jiang Ru couldn't change Pei Wu's mind. That's just the kind of person Pei Wu is. He won't let Jiang Ru get into danger, but on the contrary, he will abandon himself without hesitation in any situation.

Even on matters of principle like this, Jiang Ru still needed to establish three rules with him. If she couldn't change Pei Wu's mind, she would at least have to correct other issues he had.

She stared at Pei Wu, looking into his clear eyes, and emphasized, "From now on, when we're together, you can't gamble with your life anymore. If you die, I'll go with you."

A slight ripple appeared in Pei Wu's eyes. He knew this was the biggest concession Jiang Ru had made. She could let Pei Wu do anything, even if it was a matter of life and death, but she also told Pei Wu that if Pei Wu died, she would die too.

In this way, Pei Wu has to think twice before doing anything, and it all depends on what he thinks is more important than Jiang Ru.

Pei Wu looked into Jiang Ru's eyes and said solemnly, "Okay."

If Pei Wu could guarantee it, it meant he could do it. With her last worry gone, Jiang Ru offered her hand. Several months had passed, and the scratches on her hand had long since healed, leaving no trace. Pei Wu looked at the back of her hand and asked, "Does it hurt?"

Jiang Ru had intended to offer her hand for him to hold, but Pei Wu's question momentarily stunned her before she realized what he was asking. She turned her hand around in front of Pei Wu's eyes and shook her head: "It doesn't hurt."

Such an injury would indeed be very painful when you are conscious. Jiang Ru had taken medicine at the time and was already drowsy. Only the wound on the back of her hand could make her slightly more awake. At that time, the pain was a lifeline for her, and she didn't have time to feel the pain at all.

Mentioning this, Jiang Ru complained, "What kind of medicine did you give me? I slept until noon the next day and almost didn't wake up."

Pei Wu used a common "stunning drug" available on the market, but he added a little extra dosage. Unexpectedly, Jiang Ru was still able to wake up, so he added even more the second time.

Pei Wu also felt guilty: "I'm sorry."

The situation was urgent, and Pei Wu had no choice. Jiang Ru didn't mind. She moved closer to Pei Wu, her warm breath brushing against his ear, and whispered, "Actually, I wasn't angry anymore when I woke up the next day."

When Jiang Ru woke up, the back of her hand was already bandaged. The handkerchief was embroidered with Jiang Ru's usual crooked flowers, which she had embroidered for Pei Wu. Even in this situation, Pei Wu still bandaged her wound himself. Jiang Ru's heart softened when she saw the handkerchief, and she could no longer hold a grudge against Pei Wu.

Jiang Ru was indeed angry and anxious when she was put on the carriage. However, she later reflected on her actions and realized that she had acted impulsively and caused trouble for Pei Wu. Pei Wu should apologize to her, and she should apologize to Pei Wu as well.

Before Pei Wu could speak, Jiang Ru continued, "Actually, I was also wrong."

She threw a tantrum back then, which probably made Pei Wu have to put in more effort. She admitted her mistakes and wouldn't pretend nothing happened just because of her relationship with Pei Wu and because Pei Wu was willing to tolerate her.

Her voice was soft, tinged with self-reproach: "I know I caused you trouble back then, and I'm sorry for being impulsive."

Pei Wu immediately replied, "No, you are not wrong."

He didn't want Jiang Ru to blame herself, so he told her, "It's my fault for not explaining things to you beforehand and for drugging you without my permission. It's understandable that you're angry. It's all my fault."

To prevent Jiang Ru from getting into internal conflict, he boldly grabbed her hand, something he had never done before. His palms were calloused, and he was afraid of hurting her, so he only dared to hold her very lightly. He said gently, "You won't make a mistake."

Whatever Jiang Ru does is right, without a doubt.

At this moment, Pei Wu's emotional intelligence was frighteningly high, because these were all his true feelings. He never thought there was anything wrong with Jiang Ru's actions; if anyone was to blame, it was Pei Wu himself.

The pent-up anger in Jiang Ru's heart finally eased. She squeezed Pei Wu's hand and sincerely praised him, "You're so good."

He was the best man Jiang Ru had ever met, and it was only natural that Jiang Ru would fall in love with him; they were destined to be together.

In the following time, Pei Wu straightened Jiang Ru's skirt and sat down beside her. The two held hands, and even without speaking, just a glance between them revealed a sweet love in their eyes.

This date, which wasn't really a date, finally brought them closer together.

When they returned, their clothes were covered in dust. They didn't notice it in the carriage, but once inside the courtyard, compared to the clean clothes of others, they looked like disobedient children who had rolled around in the mud.

Song Shu frowned as soon as she saw them: "What have you been doing? You look like a scatterbrain."

Jiang Ru was a little better. Look at Pei Wu, what's on his clothes? Is he really so unrefined in front of the girl he likes?

Jiang Ru glanced awkwardly at Pei Wu's clothes. Actually, she wanted to return the favor and help Pei Wu tidy up his clothes, but Pei Wu refused. He would feel sorry for Jiang Ru even if she just bent down, let alone squatted down to help him tidy up his clothes.

After being criticized by Song Shu, the two of them were sent to take a bath and change their clothes.

Without even getting a hot meal, Jiang Ru slumped in the bathtub, slowly washing herself clean. At home, she dressed simply, casually putting on a dress and tying her hair up before going to eat.

They returned too late; everyone else had already eaten dinner, leaving only the two of them. Song Shu was relieved: "I thought you wouldn't come back for dinner; luckily, I left some."

After all, apart from Pei Wu, that idiot, everyone else thought they were going on a date. Who comes back hungry after a date? Song Shu was both annoyed and thought Pei Wu was too dull, but she couldn't say it in front of Pei Wu.

Actually, they hadn't really gone without food; they had eaten two eggs on the way. But Jiang Ru was too embarrassed to say it, afraid that Song Shu would accuse her of being love-struck.

Fortunately, Song Shu felt there was no excitement to be had, so she ignored them and left to go back to her room, leaving only the two of them inside.

Winter days are short and dark, and they were delayed for too long. Fortunately, the moonlight was enough to illuminate the way, and it wasn't completely dark yet, so they were able to get back in time.

Candles were lit inside, and in the dim light, Jiang Ru began to observe Pei Wu. In the warm light, Pei Wu's profile appeared softer and more delicate, more gentle than his angular features during the day.

She ate her food slowly, her mind preoccupied with some inexplicable thoughts, her gaze frequently glancing at Pei Wu.

People in love are often like this; they can't help but look at their partner without saying a word or doing anything. Just looking at them is enough.

The timing was perfect. Leaving behind the cutthroat world of Bianjing, they arrived in a completely new place, started a new life, and were finally able to love without restraint.

As she was thinking, Jiang Ru suddenly remembered something and called out Pei Wu's name.

Pei Wu put down his chopsticks and looked at her. Jiang Ru grabbed Pei Wu's sleeve: "You brought Xia and the others here, so what about my beverage shop?"

Yes, life has been so good that Jiang Ru had completely forgotten about it. Although she became a hands-off manager not long after opening the shop, she couldn't just abandon it completely. Without her, and without Xia Xia and Xiao Zhu, what would happen to the shop?

Fortunately, Pei Wu had thought of everything. He stayed in Bianjing for three months and naturally arranged everything properly, especially Jiang Ru's matter. However, he didn't have time to ask Jiang Ru's opinion at the time and made a decision for her on his own.

He said, "I've hired someone to manage it, and the shop's income will be delivered to you from now on."

That sounds great. The beverage shop is profitable, especially in Bianjing where land is incredibly valuable. Jiang Ru couldn't bear to give up the shop. Jiang Ru was completely relieved: "You did a really good job."

Jiang Ru's praise was heartfelt. She never hesitated to praise Pei Wu, especially now that they had an additional status. Before, she could only offer a few words of praise, but now she could do much more.

Jiang Ru reached out and gently tickled Pei Wu's palm, a very light touch, almost like an accidental brush. Then she withdrew her hand, looking at the dishes on the table with a normal expression, and innocently winked at Pei Wu: "Why aren't you eating?"

After teasing Pei Wu, she then picked up her chopsticks so seriously as if nothing had happened. It was utterly despicable.

Pei Wu's gaze shifted to her hand; her slender fingers swayed gently in the soft lamplight, constantly making Pei Wu want to reach out and hold her hand.

However, Pei Wu has always been shy about taking the initiative, especially when it comes to taking Jiang Ru's hand. He always feels like a lecherous man. After all, although they are together, it is only their mutual consent. They have never even been engaged. So, in Pei Wu's eyes, this action is overstepping his bounds.

Pei Wu could only forcibly pull his gaze away from Jiang Ru's hands and absentmindedly eat the rice in his bowl. Just as he finished his rice, Jiang Ru also put down her chopsticks.

The two, new to love, blushed and their hearts raced even when they looked at each other. Although Jiang Ru was bold, she could only do so by suppressing her nervousness, and she was also shy inside.

Before, I was oblivious to feelings and could still do a lot of unconscious flirting things. Now that I've really confirmed my feelings, I feel embarrassed.

Having never been in love before, she had to figure it out on her own. Pei Wu was even more clueless than her. Jiang Ru, having lived three lifetimes, should at least teach Pei Wu a thing or two.

So after putting down her chopsticks, she pretended to be familiar with the task, even though her cheeks were red and her voice was dry from nervousness, she still boldly approached Pei Wu: "Give me a hug, and then we can go back to our room to sleep."

Back in college, the area downstairs from the dormitories was full of couples. They would often hug each other after their evening classes. Jiang Ru didn't understand when she passed by, wondering why they were so affectionate. Now, she finally understood.

When you like someone, you can't help but want to get close to them, and you feel reluctant to part ways, wanting to stay close to them forever.

Pei Wu was a bit slow in this regard, but he was obedient. No matter what Jiang Ru said, he would do it obediently. The moment Jiang Ru finished speaking, he hugged her.

Both of them had bathed and carried the same scent of soapberry. The fresh fragrance was slightly damp. Jiang Ru buried her face in Pei Wu's chest, took a small, light breath, and felt so at ease leaning against him that she wanted to stay there forever.

The candlelight flickered a few times as they stood up. Their movements seemed casual, but in reality, they were anxious. The flame was almost extinguished by the wind they created, but the two of them were oblivious, preoccupied with embracing each other.

Jiang Ru actually wanted to hug him longer, but the main hall was directly opposite the door, and if they walked past on either side were Song Pingzhang and Xie Jun's bedrooms, they would both lose face if they were seen.

Jiang Ru hugged him for a few minutes before finally suppressing her urge to want more. She managed to break free from Pei Wu's embrace, but their disheveled hair remained tangled. Jiang Ru reluctantly clutched Pei Wu's clothes and whispered, "It's time to go back inside."

Pei Wu nodded: "I know."

Although they both knew, neither of them made the first move; neither wanted to leave the other, neither wanted to separate.

Jiang Ru uttered a shocking statement: "I really want to share a room with you."

She didn't dare say anything more, otherwise it would veer into something inappropriate for children. Jiang Ru really didn't mean anything by it; she just wanted to be with Pei Wu all the time.

However, such a wishful thinking is ultimately wishful thinking. Given Pei Wu's personality, even if the two of them were to confirm their relationship, Pei Wu would never sleep with her, not even just under the covers and chatting.

Both are young men and women experiencing the stirrings of first love. Even with self-discipline and adherence to propriety, Pei Wu could remain unmoved by their advances, but Jiang Ru might not be able to.

After saying that, Jiang Ru lowered her head dejectedly and stopped looking at Pei Wu: "Never mind, I'm going back to my room to sleep."

Her departing figure looked so lost and dejected that Pei Wu subconsciously followed her. When they reached the courtyard, Jiang Ru turned around and asked, "Why are you following me?"

Pei Wu stopped in his tracks and explained, "I'll take you back to your room."

There were lanterns in the courtyard, which, although not as bright as during the day, made the path visible. It was only a short distance, just a few steps away, yet Pei Wu still came to see her off, clearly because he was also reluctant to part with her.

Pei Wu's words completely dispelled Jiang Ru's pent-up frustration. So what if they couldn't sleep together? They could see each other every day, which was already a blessing. Moreover, Pei Wu even escorted her back to her room. What more could she ask for? So, if Pei Wu wanted to escort her, she should let him.

After tidying herself up, Jiang Ru walked very slowly in order to prolong the time before they parted. Pei Wu followed slowly as well, but even so, they eventually made it back to their room.

The door was right in front of them. Jiang Ru glanced back at Pei Wu, and Pei Wu stopped in his tracks, his clear gaze fixed on Jiang Ru, as if to show that he was being well-behaved and would not come any closer.

Jiang Ru opened the door and went inside, saying to Pei Wu through the door, "You should go back soon too."

Pei Wu stood still for a moment, then finally nodded.

He watched as the door closed in front of him, and Jiang Ru lit the oil lamp, brightening the room, before finally turning around and returning to his own room.

No sooner had Xie Jun entered the house than he crept into his room, lounging around like a king, sipping tea from Pei Wu's table, and sneaking bites of Pei Wu's pastries, casually asking, "How was your date with your cousin today?"

Pei Wu took off his outer robe and hung it up, replying, "It's not a date."

Upon hearing this, Xie Jun sat up straight immediately, surprised: "After what happened last night, we all thought you two were on a date today, but it turns out it wasn't."

Pei Wu wanted to tell him that he was just making wild guesses. He had never said it was a date, and besides, neither he nor Jiang Ru had that intention at first.

However, just before speaking, Pei Wu for some reason thought of the rouge Jiang Ru had applied, her specially styled hair and butterfly-like skirt, as well as Jiang Ru's initial barely concealed excitement followed by her later doubt. His voice hesitated and paused: "I really did say that last night."

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Author's Note: Pei - Slow to Realize, Wandering

I feel like every time I say I'll update at 11 PM, I'm actually half an hour late most of the time (reflecting on this). Ugh, I'll try my best to be on time after this painful lesson, but please forgive me if I'm late (kneeling gently).